Toni Storm’s Dominance and the Rising Threat of Athena: A Collision Course in AEW
A single victory can ignite a rivalry, but a pattern of dominance often fuels a war. AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm’s upcoming match against Billie Starkz on the July 23rd Dynamite isn’t just another bout; it’s a calculated move in a burgeoning feud with ROH Women’s World Champion Athena, and a potential indicator of a shift in power dynamics within All Elite Wrestling. This match, presented as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Shark Week promotion, is less about the immediate contest and more about the long-term implications for the women’s division.
Athena’s Challenge and the Starkz Connection
Athena earned a future AEW Women’s World Championship opportunity by winning the Casino Gauntlet match at All In, solidifying her position as a top contender. Her history with Billie Starkz, a long-standing alliance forged in Ring of Honor, is the key to understanding this initial confrontation. Starkz is, in Athena’s eyes, a proxy – a test for Storm and a statement of intent. This isn’t a random pairing; it’s a deliberate escalation. The dynamic between Athena and Storm is already shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines in AEW, and the use of Starkz adds a layer of strategic complexity.
Storm’s Track Record and the Psychology of the Match
While Storm has previously defeated Starkz in three singles matches – on AEW Dark, an AEW house show, and even on Chris Jericho’s cruise – dismissing Starkz as simply a stepping stone would be a mistake. Those victories, while demonstrating Storm’s skill, also provide Starkz with valuable experience and motivation. Athena will undoubtedly be looking to exploit any perceived complacency from the champion. The non-title nature of the match allows Storm to showcase her dominance without risking the championship, but it also raises the stakes for a future encounter. A decisive victory for Storm further establishes her control, while a Starkz win would send a shockwave through the division and dramatically elevate Athena’s claim to the title.
The Impact of Mercedes Mone’s Absence
The absence of Mercedes Mone following her championship match against Storm at All In is noteworthy. While injuries are common in professional wrestling, her lack of appearance on Dynamite suggests that an immediate rematch isn’t planned. This opens the door for Athena to become the primary challenger, allowing AEW to build a more sustained narrative. The Mone situation, while unfortunate, strategically positions Athena as the next logical opponent for Storm, creating a clear path towards a highly anticipated championship showdown.
Beyond the Ring: AEW’s Strategic Partnerships and Brand Integration
The integration of Shark Week as the presenting sponsor for this episode of Dynamite highlights AEW’s growing ability to leverage external partnerships for increased visibility. This isn’t merely a branding exercise; it’s a demonstration of AEW’s appeal to a broader audience. Similar collaborations with other media properties could become a recurring theme, expanding the reach of the product and attracting new fans. The success of these ventures will depend on finding partners that align with the AEW brand and offer genuine value to the viewership.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Women’s Championship Revolution?
The build to Storm versus Athena is more than just a title match; it’s a potential turning point for the AEW women’s division. Athena’s aggressive pursuit of the championship, coupled with Storm’s established dominance, creates a compelling narrative that could draw significant attention. The outcome of this feud will likely define the landscape of the division for months to come. The question isn’t just who will win, but how the rivalry will evolve and what new stars will emerge in its wake.
What are your predictions for the Storm vs. Athena match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
